As SA wades into the second month of a protracted national lockdown, higher education, science and innovation minister Blade Nzimande on Saturday announced plans to reopen the country’s universities.
Under level 3, a maximum of 33% of the student population will be allowed to return to campuses, delivery sites and residences on condition that they can be safely accommodated.Students in the final year of their programmes, who are on a path to graduating in 2020.
Final year students who require access to laboratories, technical equipment, data, connectivity and access to residence and private accommodation should return.Post graduate students who require laboratory equipment and other technical equipment to undertake their studies.
Students who return under the scaled back lockdown level will be given a two to three-week window to return to classes once they have been recalled by the institution. This will apply to each changing level. Nzimande said: “It is critical that we adhere to these criteria to ensure that campuses are ready for students to safely return, and the effective health screening, cleaning protocols are in place to keep everyone safe.”
“Some institutions may identify other groups of students in line with their particular contexts. However, any deviation from this criteria must be approved by my department and must fall within the maximum of 33% of the student population,” he added.
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